Stadt Hannover – 22 months, 2 case workers, no decision. How long do Behördenanfragen take?
Hey everyone,
I’m looking for advice/experiences regarding my naturalization case at Stadt Hannover (Landeshauptstadt, not Region).
📋 My Profile:
• 🟢 Iraqi national, recognized refugee (GFK)
• 🟢 Living in Germany since October 2015 (~10 years)
• 🟢 Permanent residence permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) since August 2024
• 🟢 Hauptschulabschluss (obtained in Germany) as proof of language/integration
• 🟢 Integrationskurs + Leben in Deutschland certificate
• 🟢 Currently in Ausbildung (Anlagenmechaniker SHK, until Jan 2027)
• 🟢 Clean criminal record
• 🟢 No dual citizenship issue (as recognized refugee, I can keep Iraqi nationality)
📅 Full Timeline:
• July 2024 – Submitted all documents to the Einbürgerungsbehörde
• Oct 2024 – Followed up → Reply: “We’re processing, average time ~12 months, please be patient”
• March 2025 – Sent updated residence permit (upgraded to Niederlassungserlaubnis)
• Aug 2025 → March 2026 – Sent 4 follow-up messages → complete silence ❌
• 9 April 2026 – A new case worker contacted me out of the blue, requested proof of employment and income
• 9 April 2026 (14:30) – Submitted all documents immediately + asked how long Behördenanfragen would take
• 14 April 2026 – Sent Sachstand inquiry via Kontaktformular
• Today (21 May 2026) – Still no reply to either message ❌
❓ My Questions:
Their last email said: “Es stehen noch Antworten auf unsere Behördenanfragen an” — how long does this typically take at Stadt Hannover specifically?
Has anyone experienced a case worker change mid-process? Did it cause major delays?
It’s been 22 months total — at what point does Untätigkeitsklage become a real option?
Any similar experiences with the Einbürgerungsbehörde Stadt Hannover?
🙏 Any input is appreciated — especially from people who went through Stadt Hannover (not Region)!